Lea Salonga, the musical’s first Kim, says Miss Saigon showed the world how reliable, dependable the Filipino artist is, and that’s apart form the fact that he or she is able to interpret musical theater with the best of the musical world.
“We are artistically right up there, and it makes me proud when any one of us gets that moment in the sun on the international stage. To see many of my friends in the West End and on Broadway makes my heart feel full,” says Lea, who went on to win major awards for her performance.
Isay Alvarez played the original Gigi to Lea’s Kim. She too, is grateful that Miss Saigon paved the way for Pinoy artists to be recognized all over the world.
“Being in the musical was both fun and challenging,” says Isay and add, “One of the hardest things was learning to work with the sheet music.”
“Our counterparts read notes on sight. But the Pinoys were ingenious,” laughs Isay. “We brought our trusted tape recorders. In terms of adjustments (that we had to make), I’d say understanding the ways of our co-actors and production staff helped. Coming from a different culture was one thing, but they were understanding and Miss Saigon was a very mixed cast anyway.”
The auditions were also fun, but nerve-wracking. It was the first big test they all had to face.
“I was quite nervous, but during that time I was young and eager and my dreams were bursting out of my pores,” recalls Isay. “And to have the Cameron Mackintosh group in the audience was very exciting. They were very professional, and the English are proper anyway, and not intimidating at all. I should say they were very accommodating and I think they were really impressed that they found a mine of talents. They went to many cities and realized that Manila had what they needed.”
However, Carla Guevara-Laforteza says that passing the auditions was just the beginning.
“When we passed, we became scholars of the ‘Saigon School’ wherein we were taught the songs and the choreography of the show. From there, we were handpicked on who would be assigned to go to what production (UK, Australia, Germany, and so on). Those chosen for Germany were required to learn the show in German.”
Of course, adjusting to a whole new lifestyle was part of the deal.
Lea had to give up her ‘sheltered’ life to be able to do the things she did there. “The toughest adjustment was just living a less-than-sheltered life. In Manila, all I had to worry about was school and whatever work I happened to be doing. Now, I had to learn how to take public transportation, and write checks for the monthly utilities, in addition to study my music, dialogue, and figure out how to do kissing scenes with a romantic opposite for the first time.
Now, #TeamMissSaigon is back and looking for new talent. Auditions are presently ongoing with Atlantis Productions helping to coordinate the search.
Lea, Isay, Carla and other Miss Saigon alumni have words of encouragement and advice for those considering trying out for the musical.
The first thing, says Pinky Amador, is to realize that sure, it’s fun and it’s an honor to be chosen from among so many artists, but it’s also all about hard work and dedication from the moment one sets foot on the audition stage.
Her advice is to keep in mind that it just isn’t the best singers who make it.
“I have always maintained that in the end, the choices aren’t just all about the best voices. They are about the best WORKERS. Remember, you will be working far away from home and facing many personal and artistic challenges. So they need to know that they can trust you. Be professional in every way. Show them they can invest you. Look at everyone they chose: they’re all people with high standards, all exacting and all with impeccable work ethic.”
As always, Lea’s advice is to be professional, even when one is just auditioning.
“First and foremost, show up prepared. Second, show up BEFORE your appointed time. Third, have fun! Enjoy the experience for what it’s worth. You may or may not get the job, but at least you can say you sang for some of the best creative forces in the world. That’s a pretty huge deal in and of itself.”
For more information contact (0995) 534-8371 or like the MISS SAIGON 2016 AUDITIONS page on Facebook.
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Alpa Land and BPI turnover homes in Mindoro
Recently, Habitat for Humanity Philippines in partnership with Alpa Land Inc., Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) and the Reyes family of Pinamalayan, turned over 68 homes to local government employees, and seven homes to public school teachers in Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro.
“As part of our BPI (Build-Promote-Improve) for Teachers Program, and with the valuable partnership of Habitat, we were able to build 99 of the 150 homes for public school teachers. More than providing decent housing, Habitat restores the dignity of the marginalized. Through Habitat, we hope to empower and support more teachers in the future as they are the true pillars of our educational system,” Faye Concuera, executive director of BPI Foundation said.
The homes were turned over in a simple ceremony to the Guadalupe community’s Home Owners’ Association with the local government officials of Pinamalayan.
Habitat is addressing the housing need in Mindoro where a big number of families live in sub-standard houses and shanties highly prone to damage due to storms.
“We believe in their cause and their efforts. We believe in the values that propel them to go where the greatest needs are. We stand with Habitat,” Al McWalter D. Lim, Alpa Land general manager said.
More than 400 homes will be built for families in Pinamalayan, Mindoro this April.
“We look forward to helping further more families in need, particularly in Mindoro. We are grateful to our generous partners who are building more sustainable Filipino communities, and transforming the lives of our fellow countrymen in need,” Charlie Ayco, Habitat Philippines’ managing director and CEO said.